What fruits are beneficial for people with diabetes?

Answer:

People with diabetes should incorporate fruits into their daily diet as they provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are beneficial for the body. Consuming appropriate fruits can also help improve health and reduce the risk of complications related to the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves in those with diabetes.

However, people with diabetes need to choose the right types of fruits and strictly monitor their consumption, since the main component of fruits is carbohydrates, which are broken down into glucose during digestion.

Therefore, eating too much of high-sugar fruits or exceeding the recommended intake of low-sugar fruits can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, potentially triggering dangerous complications such as fatty liver, foot ulcers, kidney dysfunction, and vision loss.

A plate of mix sliced fruits. Illustration photo by Freepik

You should limit your fruit intake to about 50 to 75 grams per serving, totaling 160 to 240 grams per day. Prioritize fruits with glycemic indexes (GIs) below 70 and glycemic loads (GLs) less than 20, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, guavas, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, apples, avocados, and bananas.

You also need to eat fruit at the right time, preferably during a snack or early in the morning. Minimize the consumption of fruit at the end of a main meal as there is a high risk of increasing blood sugar levels.

Eating whole fruits instead of juicing them is recommended, as whole fruits contain more fiber. This helps the body limit glucose absorption and supports better blood sugar control.

Each person’s body reacts differently to fruit consumption. Therefore, it is important to actively monitor your blood sugar levels before and after eating fruits to opt for safe options and adjust the quantity accordingly.

You should also adhere to your medication and follow up with your doctor’s recommendations. If necessary, consulting a registered dietitian for specific dietary guidance is advisable.

Dr. Nguyen Anh Duy Tung

Nutrihome Nutrition Clinic System